Now Commenting On:

Cubs add outfielder Neal to 25-man roster

Cubs add outfielder Neal to 25-man roster

6/14/13: Thomas Neal lines a single to right to record his first hit as a member of the Yankees in his 2013 debut with the team

By Jason Mastrodonato
/
MLB.com |

One day after being claimed off waivers from the Yankees, Thomas Neal was added to the Cubs' 25-man roster on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old outfielder has hit consistently through the Minor Leagues, though he hasn't yet had much of a chance to prove himself at the Major League level, with just 34 career at-bats.

In the Minors, the former 36th-round Draft pick has hit a career .301 with a .377 on-base percentage and .836 OPS. He's consistently shown a solid approach at the plate while displaying some power, with 70 career homers and 170 doubles in 701 games.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs moved right-hander Rafael Dolis to the 60-day disabled list. Neal then replaced reliever Eduardo Sanchez on the 25-man roster.

With the Cubs having traded Alfonso Soriano to the Yankees, more at-bats have become available in the outfield. Junior Lake, 23, has excelled in limited action in left and center field, hitting .333 with four homers in 75 at-bats.

Neal was not in the Cubs' starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Phillies. Lake was in left, batting second, while David DeJesus led off in center and Nate Schierholtz was slated to play right field, batting cleanup.

Jason Mastrodonato is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @jmastrodonato. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.